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Grand Velas Los Cabos officially opened its doors on December 20 with special wine features, commitment to the arts, dramatic ocean views, hard to top wellness suites, and more.

After a soft opening in November, Grand Velas Los Cabos officially opened its doors on December 20. The $150 million resort on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is the fifth property of Velas Resorts with over 20 years of tradition in hospitality. The beachfront property has enhanced signature facilities and services of Grand Velas resorts including duplex wellness suites with juice bars, wine-based features inspired by the proximity to the region producing Mexico’s fine wines, and dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort. A gallery of contemporary art opening soon continues the company’s commitment to bringing the art, fashion and culture of Mexico to guests. Grand Velas Los Cabos offers the next generation of all-inclusive amenities and facilities including a selection of gourmet specialty restaurants led by top chefs, including two star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte; oversize designer suites, some with plunge pools; a Leading Spa of the World; staff ratio of 3 to 1; exceptional meeting facilities, and a commitment to the environment.

Located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Grand Velas Los Cabos features 304 ocean view suites, all over 1,180 sq. ft. with private terraces and some with personal plunge pools. In addition, five gourmet restaurants with an extensive beverage and wine program; a 16,370 sq. ft. convention center with the capability for 20 breakout rooms; 35,000 sq. ft. spa with 16 treatment rooms and a leading hydrotherapy facility; three pools; and pool and beach concierges are available. Rounding out the list of amenities and services are a Life Fitness Center with personal trainers, exercise programs, yoga, Pilates and meditation; recreational activities program; separate teens’ and kids’ club facilities and activities program; 24-hour personalized butler concierge service; and 24-hour insuite service. The curved, half-moon design of the hotel catches eyes with an iconic grand entrance that’s open air, three stories high and over 300 ft. above sea level. All of this beachfront, just 35 minutes from the Los Cabos International Airport which directly services over 40 destinations in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

Grand Velas Los Cabos’ variety of gourmet restaurants and foodie experiences allow guests to explore and savor a worldly fusion of flavors without leaving the comfort of the resort. Food, creativity and presentation comparable to that of top restaurants in world capitals is served in five fine-dining restaurants, including the resort’s signature restaurant, Cocina de Autor, which is helmed by two star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte. Other on-property fine dining options include Frida, offering Mexican fine dining; Piaf, which serves gourmet French specialties; and Lucca, with a menu of traditional Italian cuisine. For guests seeking a casual dining experience, the all-day dining restaurant Azul offers panoramic beach vistas and a relaxing, open-air, yet air-conditioned, environment in which to indulge in international cuisine. Amat Café serves up coffee specialties, Velas 10 prepares seafood and steak and Cabrilla focuses on fresh ceviche. 24-hour In-Suite Dining is also offered.

Offering innovative libations and sensory ambiances for every mood, the resort features four diverse bars: Sky Bar, Miramar Bar, the bar at Cocina de Autor, and Koi. Highlights of the casually elegant space at Koi include a dramatic marble bar, state of the art sound and video equipment and comfortable seating groups. A DJ will spin the latest hits for guests’ listening and dancing pleasure with a dedicated dance floor.

All restaurants and bars are designed to take full advantage of the stunning views and have indoor and open air seating.

Renowned for the best Mexican wines, Baja California furthers its appeal for wine aficionados at Grand Velas Los Cabos.

Bringing a wealth of knowledge from decades of experience across many continents, Master Sommelier Don Pedro Poncelis Brambila is responsible for developing the wine list comprised of 50 included wines of sparkling, white, rose and red from the best regions of several grape varieties in addition to a supplemental list of over 200 wines of the world from the very best and most prestigious domaines. Furthermore, he will implement various wine offerings for resort guests, such as food & wine pairings, wine tastings and even a wine lovers over the top getaway for millionaires.

Unique dining events, foodie experiences, premium liquor brands, and custom cocktails in innovative ways are also planned for the resort.

Designer Suites

Stylish suites vary in size from 1,180 to 3,412 sq. ft., while all feature ocean views and a private terrace with sitting area, separate living area with sofa, king or two queen beds, expansive bathroom with Jacuzzi and built-in shower. Daily turndown, personal concierge service, daily stocked premium mini-bar with refreshments and snacks, red and white wine from Ensenada, Nespresso Coffee Maker, high definition flat screen with digital cable TV, L’Occitane bath amenities, goose down pillows and comforters, and a pillow menu are also available insuite. A private plunge pool also greets guests in Grand Class Suites, the multi-bedroom Presidential and Governor Suites, and the Imperial Suite – opening February 2017.

All six two-level Wellness Suites are double height with lofted ceilings and feature a plethora of fitness and wellness amenities, such as Life Fitness recline bike, spa concierge, Vitamin C sprinkler, crudité minibar, aromatherapy kit, in-suite massage and more. All Wellness Suites face the spa with the second level being exclusive for the fitness amenities, inclusive of a juice bar with a wide selection of juices and healthy beverages.

Signature Spa

The two-level, 35,000 sq. ft. Spa at Grand Velas Los Cabos has 16 treatment rooms, some with a water view. Guests enjoy authentic and innovative treatments using the latest technology and products of the Earth, traditional in the Mexican culture. Signature treatments center around the Blue Agave plant native to Mexico and its pre-Columbian ancestral healing benefits.

Included in any treatment of 50 minutes or more, a seven step water journey features a eucalyptus-scented steam room with chromotherapy, polar pool, aromatherapy sensory shower, sauna, Jacuzzi and multi-sensory pool. The central pool features several hydro elements such as powerful massaging faucets for neck and back and bubble beds, carved-stone chaises with jets set just underneath the surface of the water on which guests recline. A spa valet provides personalized direction to make sure guests get the most out of the truly relaxing hydrotherapy experience — such as how to alternate the various hot and cold rooms and pools, and how long to linger in them. Upon completion of the journey, guests recline on heated loungers with warm neck pillows, cool scented towels and cucumbers on the eyes to ensure the body is fully relaxed for a treatment.

The ‘Spa Atelier’ is a unique concept which further complements the treatments and philosophy of the spa via a series of specifically designed educational workshops for guests to participate in. Tailored to aid a variety of ailments and needs, these custom-made workshops are inspired by local Mexican culture and based upon the principles of ancient Ayurvedic medicine. With a selection of interesting and informative courses on skincare, nutrition, aromatherapy, water and tea rituals, there is something suitable for all guests, including couples and little ones.

A men’s barber shop complements beauty salon services for women and haircuts for babies. Massages, body treatments and facials for kids and teens are offered insuite. Pre-wedding services and treatments are available for brides, grooms and their wedding parties.

Contemporary Mexican Design

Ricardo Elias, principal of Elias and Elias Architects in Guadalajara, who designed the highly acclaimed Grand Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit, returned once again to Grand Velas as the architectural designer for the Los Cabos location. Created to exist harmoniously within the rugged topography of its environment, the resort is an oasis in the middle of the contrasting landscapes of the area made up of beautiful beaches, boulders, desert and deep blue sea. The overall color of the hotel, which is in tones similar to the boulders and sands of the destination, was chosen to reduce the dazzle that the strong desert sun produces on light buildings and integrate it into the character of Los Cabos.

Contemporary Mexican with touches inspired by traditional Mexican architecture, a signature of Grand Velas Resorts, the interiors, furnishings and decoration of the various restaurants and public areas of the hotel were commissioned to various interior design firms and integrated into the architectural project of the hotel. Niz + Chauvet Arquitectos is responsible for the design at Azul Restaurant while Ezequiel Farca did Lucca and Frida restaurants. Ernesto Vela led the interior design for the Ambassador, Grand Class, Presidential and Imperial Suites in addition to Cocina de Autor restaurant and bar, Velas 10 and KOI bar. The interior design for the resort’s duplex Wellness Suites and multi-bedroom Governor Suites as well as Piaf restaurant was done by Cassal Diseño (Larissa Garcia Stiles). The interior design of the Spa, the public areas of the Hotel as well as the Teens Club and Kids Club was made by Melin Castro Design.

Meetings and Events

The Convention Center at Grand Velas Los Cabos offers 16,370 sq. ft. of flexible event space, with the capacity to hold up to 1,700 attendees. With two large ballrooms, the greater being over 10,700 sq. ft., the space can be conveniently divided into 20 breakout rooms. An oceanfront terrace offers space for up to 600. The resort features a dedicated area for events, the only at a hotel in the destination, for everyone from family groups and weddings to private dinners.

“Our convention center is undoubtedly one of the largest and most functional of the area that will accommodate a wide variety of top national and international meetings and conventions,” said Eduardo Vela Ruiz, owner, founder and president of Velas Resorts.

In addition to customizable meeting space, the resort offers top-of-the-line audio-visual equipment, technical support, secretarial and translation services, and a fully-equipped business center. With its convenient location to the airport, special pre- and- post -group rates, and easy access to an abundance of local activities, Grand Velas is a perfect destination for a meeting and a vacation all in one. The resort’s expert meetings and events team is dedicated to deliver accessible, well-equipped and exceptional meetings and events tailored to every guest need.

Leisure Activities

A leisurely day at the resort is effortless with a sun-soaked afternoon walking miles of uninterrupted beach or lounging at one of the resort’s tiered three pools. All are infinity pools providing maximum views of the Sea of Cortes and its famed whale watching. Grand Velas also offers a collection of workout programs such as yoga and Pilates.

For families travelling with children, Grand Velas’ Kids’ Club offers a safe, fun and creative environment to explore interactive activities such as soccer, treasure hunting and cooking classes. The resort’s Teens’ Club is a contemporary space where teens from 13-18 years old can enjoy their own mini vacation. The Teens’ Club features an extensive game room complete with an X-Box Kinect, pool table, air hockey, ping pong, foosball, karaoke set with vintage dance floor and more. A kids’ pool with splash pad and playground are also available.

Eco-Friendly Hospitality Practices

Grand Velas Los Cabos has been meticulously designed to exist harmoniously within its fragile environment. To create the site for the resort, several hundred trees and cacti that only grow a centimeter a year were dug up and transplanted so all are used, protecting the native flora and fauna of the region. Eliminating the need to rely upon local and regional natural resources, Grand Velas Los Cabos’ Reverse-Osmosis Desalting Plants operate self-sufficiently. For every liter of potable water, the resort is able to re-use 2.54 cups for general purposes, while 1.69 cups are returned to the subsoil, aiding in the conservation of the environment. Saving 30% of all water used in the entire laundry process, the laundry facilities include a water treatment plant that efficiently filters soapy waters to then be used in the rinsing process. The residual water treatment facility receives and processes all the water from the entire resort, which is then used for the watering of all exterior gardens and surrounding mangroves and jungle.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, call toll-free (US/CAN) at 855-BAJA-411 or email us at info@baja.com.

Diamante, a 1,500-acre private resort that fronts the Pacific Ocean in Cabo San Lucas, has debuted The Oasis Short Course, a brilliantly conceived 12-hole layout designed by superstar Tiger Woods and TGR Design.

Two years after he unveiled El Cardonal, a playable yet challenging 7,363-yard layout with an “Old California” design motif that marked his architectural debut, Woods, alongside baseball legend Roger Clemens, played the inaugural round on The Oasis Short Course. The versatile design features 12 enticing par 3’s ranging from 41 to 143 yards. The course can also play as a three-hole course featuring a 374-yard par 4, a 143-yard par 3 and a 540-yard par 5. Each layout can be played in about an hour.

Tiger Woods was on hand for the debut of his new Oasis short course at Diamante in Cabo San Lucas.

The Oasis Short Course occupies the site of the former 12th and 13th holes on the Dunes Course, the club’s internationally-ranked course by Davis Love III. These inland holes, routed around an attractive water feature, were an ideal place to build a family-friendly design that will appeal to golfers at all ability levels, from novices to experts.

“I learned how to play on a short par 3 course in Long Beach, Calif.,” Woods said, noting that the military club where his dad was a member required juniors to be 10 years or older. “When I was a kid, a 100-yard hole for me at Heartwell Golf Course was a driver and a 7-iron, so I can relate to the challenges faced by younger players,” he stated. “Building this course really brought me back to my roots.” Woods said his goal was to design “a fun, playable course that brings people together and brings golfers back to the game.”

Noting that there’s only one forced carry on The Oasis Short Course, Woods said a putter can be used from nearly every tee, as he and Clemens demonstrated during their exhibition round. “My favorite courses are links courses where golfers can use the ground as a friend and an ally,” Tiger explained. “Players here can use the slopes and contours to guide the ball to the target.” Woods, like many other golf industry leaders, believes too many modern courses are too difficult to play.

“People today don’t have the time (for leisure pursuits) that they used to have,” Woods said at the gala party following the round. “We need the ability to play fast and have it be enjoyable.”

Oasis is open to Diamante members and their guests.

His comments were echoed by Diamante owner Ken Jowdy, who explained that the park-like atmosphere of The Oasis Short Course was conceived as a “green space” for a variety of recreational pursuits, from golf and croquet to beanbag and Frisbee tossing.

“Golf is all about rules and formality, but our new layout is all about having fun,” Jowdy said. “The informal tee boxes and built-in flexibility of the course enable players to play as many holes as they wish. They can also convert a couple of the par 3’s to longer holes. It’s an exciting venue. We’re very pleased with it. We envision lots of afternoon play from golfers following their rounds on the Dunes Course and El Cardonal. We also expect family outings, from mothers and daughters to fathers and sons.”

Jowdy said a nominal fee for a week’s access to The Oasis Short Course will be established for Diamante members and their guests. He added that free club rentals are available to men, women and juniors.

Unlike the Dunes Course and El Cardonal, which are surfaced in paspalum, fast-running Bermudagrass was used to surface The Oasis Short Course from tee to green. “The new short course is a preview of The Oasis Course, a lushly landscaped 18-hole design by Tiger Woods and TGR Design that’s now in the planning stages,” Jowdy stated.

The Oasis Short Course at Diamante is the 15th course to open in Los Cabos, which has been named the ‘Latin America & Caribbean Golf Destination of the Year’ for 2017 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) in recognition of its exceptional golf courses and unique mountain-desert-ocean ecosystem.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411 or email us at info@baja.com.